Smyrnium olusatrum
Plant Details
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acid Neutral Basic
Half shade, Sun
Usage properties
Leaves, Flowers, Condiment, Root, Trunk
Bee plant, Fragrant
Description
Leaves and young shoots of this plant can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in soups and stews. The plant grows in the autumn, and the leaves are often available in the winter. They have a strong flavor similar to celery and are often blanched (by excluding light from the growing plant) before being used. The leaf seedlings can serve as a substitute for parsley. The stems can be eaten both raw and cooked and have a taste somewhat like celery but are sharper. The stems are often blanched (by excluding light from the growing plant) before being used. The flower buds can be eaten raw and added to salads for a celery-like flavor. The spicy seeds of the plant are used as a substitute for pepper. The root must be cooked and is often used in soups, having a flavor somewhat similar to celery.
Harvest Data
Guilds
Guild Information
Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.
Guild Details
| Guild | Description |
|---|---|
|
Cydonia oblonga Quince |
Cydonia oblonga can provide shelter and enhance the growth conditions for Smyrnium olusatrum due to its larger structure. |
|
Hovenia dulcis Japanese Raisin Tree |
Hovenia dulcis produces a sweet fruit that can attract beneficial insects which can support the growth and pollination of Smyrnium olusatrum. |
|
Ulex europaeus Gorse |
Ulex europaeus can fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility for Smyrnium olusatrum cultivation. |
|
Thymus vulgaris Common Thyme, Garden thyme, Wild Thyme |
Thymus vulgaris can repel pests and promote a healthier growing environment for Smyrnium olusatrum. |
|
Typha latifolia Reedmace, Broadleaf cattail, Bullrush, Nailrod |
Typha latifolia can help improve water retention in the soil, beneficial for the moisture-loving Smyrnium olusatrum. |